Reduce the amount of paper you use. From virtual to-do lists to electronic storage services like Dropbox, there are plenty of ways to keep your job search organized without sacrificing trees. Your smartphone offers lots of job search apps to make the process eco-friendly. Business cards are still handy for job searches so why not consider the digitized version? Whenever paper is necessary, select the recycled kind.

Search for suits with sustainability in mind. Your work wardrobe doesn’t have to be 100% new to be 100% effective. Search thrift and consignment shops for gently used clothing options. Another option? Shop online. Studies show that shopping online may reduce energy consumption by 35%.

Add some green to your home/work space. Give your job search space – whether it’s a home office, living room or bedroom – a green makeover. Use a power strip for all of your hardware, making it easy to power on and off with the flip of a switch. Power down the computer when you’re done working for the day. Add some indoor plants to the setting that absorb indoor air pollution and increase the oxygen flow in your work space.

4 ways to help the planet every day

Ditch the plastic. Almost 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year worldwide and 90% ends up in landfills rather than being properly recycled. From shopping with reusable bags to avoiding buying plastic water bottles by the case, where could you make a difference?

Say no to junk mail. 28 million gallons of water are used each year to produce and recycle junk mail. These unwanted mailbox advertisements can be reduced and eliminated.

Reduce your Ecological Footprint. The Ecological Footprint is a tool that measures how much of Earth’s resources you use to maintain your current living practices. Take the Ecological Footprint quiz to see how earth-friendly you really are and see what changes you could make.

Toss the e-waste properly. E-waste is any garbage that contains electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, televisions, etc.). When you simply throw them away with the rest of your trash, they end up in landfills and their hazardous materials (lead, mercury and cadmium) seep into the ground or are burned into the atmosphere. Find an E-waste recycling center near you and dispose of these items safely.

“I want to study the academic program or major that guarantees a job with a good salary after graduation.” This is a common request career counselors repeatedly hear from students.

There’s just one problem: Job search success is never guaranteed, regardless of what you study. Here are seven reasons why.

“Hot jobs” come and go. Yes, STEM is all the talk right now, and health care jobs usually make the Top 10 list of opportunities. But what’s always constant about the world of work is how often it changes. In 2008, job titles such as cloud specialist, digital marketing and app developer didn’t even exist.

The job market differs from city to city. Geography can impact your job search. The job market for dental hygienists is different in Charlotte compared to Chapel Hill. The salary is slightly different, too. Studying Simulation and Game Development is key if you want to work as a video game designer. But more opportunities exist in California and New York than they do in North Carolina just by nature of the industry.

Interests affect abilities. If you don’t enjoy an area of study, your ability to succeed in it can be limited. Before you decide to work in a STEM-related industry, it’s important to know what STEM stands for (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Next, you have to decide if you actually enjoy any of those disciplines.

Abilities affects employ-ability. If you’re struggling in your classes, you may struggle in your job. Companies who hire welders look for candidates who can safely and effectively do the job. A candidate who has difficulties with class assignments may be overlooked.

Success in academics doesn’t guarantee success in the job search. During the job search, if you can’t connect with employers and impress them you will not receive a job offer, no matter how solid your academics are. Job search steps include writing a standout resume and cover letter, networking, knowing what jobs to search for (and where to find them) and presenting yourself well in a job interview.

Lifetime careers are a thing of the past. It’s rare to retire with the first company that hires you. It’s even unusual to retire in the first career path you choose. Most people change career paths as their interests, skills and roles change.

Every job search is different. Not all industries use the same hiring methods. But job search guidelines exist that everyone should follow, regardless of where, when and how they’re applying for jobs.

Below you’ll find 13 mistakes that people often make in a job search. You’ll increase your success chances by avoiding these common errors.

Only using online job boards. Not all job openings are posted online. Include other job search techniques like networking and career fairs.

Believing that networking isn’t necessary. Some industries post online job opportunities more than others. But talking to people is still the primary way people learn of employment options.

Having resume typos. Review your resume forwards and backwards and have another person look it over. Don’t rely on spellcheck.

Not sending a cover letter.Cover letters take additional time to write but it’s worth it. If you’re asked to send a cover letter you should follow directions and do so.

Not researching who to send the cover letter to. Avoid addressing a cover letter or email “To Whom It May Concern.” If you know the company name, find the phone number and call. Ask the person who you should send your cover letter to (give the job title or reference number if provided).

Forgetting to tell your references that they are your references. You need to ask your references if they are okay with this role. If they say yes, let them know when you have submitted their contact information so that a phone call from an employer doesn’t surprise them.

Showing up late to an interview. Allow enough time to arrive at your interview 15 minutes early. Traffic, car problems and illness happen – call the employer as soon as possible if you will be unable to attend the interview. Explain the circumstances and politely ask to reschedule.

Not practicing for an interview. When it comes to answering interview questions, don’t “wing it.” Practice commonly asked questions ahead of time. Employs expect you to do this.

Answering “no” when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. Employers also expect you to have questions to ask them. If you don’t they assume you’re unprepared or uninterested.

Forgetting to send a thank you note after the interview. Send a thank you email within 48 hours to each person who interviewed you. If the other candidate sends a thank you note and you don’t, guess who probably gets the job offer.

Not responding to requests for a second interview. An employer may have second interviews with candidates. If you’re contacted for a second interview be sure to reply.

Letting an employer know if you decide not to accept a job offer. When an employer offers you a job, you’ll be given time to review the offer and think about it. You’ll call to accept the job offer, but don’t forget to call if you choose not to accept. An email is also appropriate.